Metz, France

1957 – Historical Record – National Archives of Canada


Historical Record
1 June 1957 to 30 November 1957

1 Jun 57

Back up Zulu aircraft from No. 4 (F) Wing scrambled on an experimental basis to determine the length of time required to get these aircraft airborne. Aircraft scrambled and airborne in less than ½ the time allowable by Air Division Instructions. Otherwise a quiet day from the operational standpoint.

3 Jun 57

An active day operationally with both IDF and AW fighters being provided maximum control throughout the flying period (0300Z to 2225Z). In addition multiple handovers effected to both RAF and USAF CRCs. A section of USAF IDF Zulus (F-100) handed over to this unit’s control for a Live scramble against an unknown track in the ADIZ. The track in question was identified friendly prior to interception and the Zulu section handed back to the USAF CRC on a practice status.

4 Jun 57

Live scramble initiated at 0440Z against two separate tracks detected in the ADIZ heading west and dropping chaff. Zulu alert aircraft from No. 3 (F) Wing were employed on this mission and identified 3 RCAF CF-100s, 2 USAF B-29s and 1 USAF B-57, all aircraft dispensing chaff. Higher authority later advised that this was a surprise exercise nicknamed "Big Bird". Second live scramble initiated to investigate two further unknown tracks in the ADIZ. Friendly identity obtained prior to intercept and fighters reverted back to practice status. A third live scramble against a further unknown in the ADIZ. This unit controlled aircraft from No. 3 (F) Wing and obtained identification as a USAF U-2 type aircraft. Multiple CF-100 AW fighters scrambled at 2000Z for the interception of RAF bombers penetrating unit ARC from the north in an exercise nicknamed "Bomex". 12 successful interceptions were completed against an estimated 15 penetrations.

5 Jun 57

Normal operation interrupted by an emergency in an IDF Zulu section on a routine practice scramble. The aircraft were successfully recovered at Rhine Main air base.

6 Jun 57

Exercise "Argus" conducted this date. Although this exercise is primarily designed to test the cross telling and communications facilities within the 4 ATAF Track Production Area, multiple intercepts were conducted against radar forces participating in the exercise. A total of 6 AW and 9 IDF intercepts were successfully completed. Successful recovery of an IDF Zulu aircraft (flameout) affected at No. 4 (F) Wing.

7 Jun 57

Two sections of IDF Zulu interceptors diverted from a practice scramble on a "live" status against an unknown track. Identified as USAF T-33. A second Zulu diversion on a "live" status took place but was unsuccessful due to poor visibility at target altitude. F/L JG Ford, Radar Squadron Officer, departed unit for a new assignment in Canada.

8 Jun 57

Weather poor – little operational activity.

10 Jun 57

Live scramble against unknown track employing interceptors from No. 4 (F) Wing. Track identified friendly prior to intercept and fighters reverted to practice status. Second live scramble to assist an aircraft in emergency. Emergency terminated prior to interception and fighters employed on practice interceptions.

11 Jun 57

Unknown track detected in ADIZ and a live scramble initiated employing aircraft from No. 2 (F) Wing. Track identified friendly – 2 USAF RF-84s. Unit successfully recovered two aircraft in distress. One recovery effected at No. 2 (F) Wing and the second emergency landed at No. 3 (F) Wing.

12 Jun 57

An unfortunate air incident took place this date when two IDF Zulu aircraft collided in mid-air. The aircraft involved were Yardarm Zulu Tango Leader from No. 4 (F) Wing and the No. 4 aircraft from Horseman Zulu Quebec section from No. 2 (F) Wing. The pilot from No. 4 (F) Wing was killed while the No. 2 (F) Wing pilot bailed out successfully.

13 Jun 57

The Commanding Officer, W/C SM Strange and the Senior Controller, S/L RT Paul proceeded on TD to the TAC COM Wing at Landstuhl, Germany, to attend an AC&W Operations conference.

17 Jun 57

Active day operationally with good weather throughout the period. One live scramble initiated but cancelled prior to intercept when friendly identification was obtained.

18 Jun 57

A crash on the active runway at No. 3 (F) Wing necessitated diversion of all No. 3 (F) Wing aircraft to No. 4 (F) Wing. Considerable aerial activity occurred in the ADIZ and alert fighters were brought to two minute state on three occasions for possible live scrambles, but all tracks were identified in sufficient time and live scrambles were therefore avoided.

19 Jun 57

RCAF aircraft under control for a fly past in honour of the departing Commander, 4 ATAF, Major General Lee. Otherwise normal day operationally.

20 Jun 57

Unusual amount of aerial activity in ADIZ area this date and IDF Zulu sections were maintained on CAP in the area in the event of ADIZ penetration. This activity diminished in latter part of the day and CAP terminated. Search and Rescue facilities alerted when a No. 3 (F) Wing CF-100 crashed in the area of Mount Brunn, Germany. Both occupants of the aircraft were killed. Mr. Jess Wade, General Electric technical representative to the unit, departed for a new assignment in England. Mr. Wade will be replaced by Mr. Bill Edwards, who is expected to take over his new post shortly.

21 Jun 57

Unit experienced mechanical jamming – source identified as a USAF "Dew Drop" mission. Otherwise, no unusual occurrences.

22 Jun 57

Exercise "Rosie Rosie" conducted this date. Target aircraft were supplied by RAF Bomber Command and 6 out of 8 targets were successfully intercepted under this units control. A USAF B-47 aircraft overflying unit’s area of radar coverage intercepted by aircraft from No. 2 (F) Wing. The pilots enjoyed the mission which was apparently reminiscent of their operational duties in Canada. The interceptors stayed with this target beyond the fuel limitations for recovery at parent field and as a result were diverted to a USAF field for refuelling.

23 Jun 57

The Senior Controller, S/L RT Paul, proceeded on TD to Old Sarum UK to attend a NATO Air Defence course for the period 24 Jun to 5 Jul inclusive.

24 Jun 57

Modification effected in the radar maintenance room, whereby all MPS-11 units were removed and installed in trailers adjacent to the operations building.

25 Jun 57

Live scramble to escort a Russian IL-14 on flight plan to Zurich, Switzerland. Escort duty commenced at the Iron Curtain and terminated at the Swiss border. Mechanical jamming observed and identified as a USAF "Dew Drop" mission. A security exercise nicknamed "ICARE" carried out this date. This is primarily a paper exercise to simulate ground attacks and/or sabotage against unit’s installations.

26 Jun 57

Exercise "ICARE" continuing – reference 25 Jun 57 entry. Good day operationally with IDF Zulus under control all day and Harlequin tactics employed with AW fighters during hours of darkness. The COpsO, W/C GF Ockenden, and the Radar Officer, F/L G Tahirali, proceeded to Paris for a conference with representative of the Decca Corporation.

27 Jun 57

Mechanical jamming experienced in ADIZ area – source revealed as USAF "Dew Drop" mission. A technical modification completed on the MPS-14 (HRI 2) to eliminate the 5 degree nod. This modification was originally effected to provide instantaneous height readings on high altitude ADIZ and other penetrations.

28 Jun 57

Operational activity limited during the early morning as a result of a visit by the Minister of National Defence at No. 1 (F) Wing. The IDF Zulu aircraft provided a flying display for the Minister. Operations reverted to normal in the afternoon.

30 Jun 57

Good news received this date regarding officers promotions, to be effective 1 Jul 57. A total of five Ftr Controllers and one Technical officer were promoted to Flight Lieutenant. The following personnel were affected:

F/O

H Czyz

(FtrC)

F/O

DR Paige

(FtrC)

F/O

JE Spiller

(FtrC)

F/O

D Symington

(FtrC)

F/O

G Tahirali

(TechTel)

F/O

J Vickers

(FtrC)

1 Jul 57

Operationally quiet on this Canada Day 1957.

2 Jul 57

Poor weather during early part of day resulted in reduced operations including the cancellation of "Tuesday Scrimmage". Operations returned to normal during afternoon and night period. Two Sabre aircraft with flame outs successfully recovered at Nos. 2 and 3 (F) Wing respectively. General Electric representatives from Nancy, France, visited unit to repair MPS-14 (HRI 3).

3 Jul 57

All aircraft requiring GCI control were handed over to RAF and USAF CRCs during morning as a result of unit’s fixed coil maintenance. Equipment returned to operations at 1130Z and unit kept busy controlling till end of night flying which occurred at 2309Z.

4 Jul 57

Live scramble employing No 4 (F) Wing aircraft on aircraft in distress. Aircraft was intercepted but was not in difficulty. It was discovered that he had a faulty IFF set which inadvertently displayed an emergency mode. Two sections of IDF Zulus were placed on Combat Air Patrol adjacent to the ADIZ in view of an alleged increase in aerial activity. The CAP terminated after one hour as activity ceased.

5 Jul 57

Handover of a USAF IDF Zulu section accepted by this unit for live scramble against an unknown track in the ADIZ. These interceptors were returned to USAF control as a result of UHF radio failure between this unit and the aircraft. Operations with IDF Zulus curtailed in the afternoon as a result of runway repairs at No. 2 (F) Wing.

6 Jul 57

Runway repairs at No. 2 (F) Wing still in progress (reference 5 Jul entry) thereby limiting operations at this unit.

8 Jul 57

Live scramble against unknown track in the ADIZ with interceptors from No. 4 (F) Wing. The track in question was identified friendly and aircraft reverted to practice scramble.

11 Jul 57

Exercise "Argus" conducted this date. All ten raider tracks were intercepted, however, only nine of these ten were considered completed as the interceptors were waved off in one instance. RAF bombers overflew unit’s ARC in an exercise nicknames "Bomex". Aircraft availability precluded RCAF participation. Unit visited by a small group of German and American Air Force officers on a familiarization tour.

12 Jul 57

A section of IDF Zulu aircraft (STZN) diverted to assist 3 aircraft reportedly in an emergency. The aircraft were identified as 3 Belgium Air Force F-84s, but not in an emergency. A live scramble on an unknown aircraft in the ADIZ produced the identity of an RCAF No. 4 (F) Wing aircraft. 12 AF Headquarters filing a violation. Wing Commander Cowan, COpsO from No. 4 (F) Wing, visited the unit.

16 Jul 57

Exercise "Tuesday Scrimmage" this date utilizing aircraft from No. 2 (F) Wing and the FAF. Good training results were obtained by the participating forces.

17 Jul 57

Flight following provided to 19 aircraft from No. 2 (F) Wing enroute to Sardinia for weapons fire training. Limited operations during morning as a result of weekly maintenance period.

18 Jul 57

Exercise "King Pin" conducted. This exercise comprised of RAF bombers acting as target aircraft. 12 Canberras and 2 Hunter type aircraft were intercepted.

19 Jul 57

Two unknown tracks identified visually by interception on a diversion from a Combat Air Patrol. These identification runs were not on a "live" status.

20 Jul 57

A second anniversary ball was held in the 1 Air Division Recreation Centre. At the same function, Wing Commander and Mrs. Strange were presented with a departing gift from all the squadron members.

22 Jul 57

F/L TE Wallis, Unit Operations Officer, proceeded on TD to 4 ATAF HQ to be a member of a committee set up to standardize control and reporting procedures within 4 ATAF.

23 Jul 57

Unit assisted in the recovery of seven aircraft in distress. Lt. Colonel Watts and Lt. Loyal of the USAF, together with S/L RM Beer (RCAF exchange officer, UK Fighter Command) visited unit.

24 Jul 57

A handing over parade held in the Recreation Centre at 1 Air Division HQ. W/C SM Strange formally handed over command of 61 AC&W Squadron to the former COpsO, W/C GF Ockenden. As a result of this move, S/L RT Paul was appointed the unit’s Chief Operations Officer.

26 Jul 57

Exercise "Rassia" held this date. The exercise comprised offensive forces from St. Dizier, Dijon, Metz and Lahr taking off every three minutes for the target, Nuremburg. 1 Air Division committed 12 F-86s for this exercise from Nos. 2, 3 and 4 (F) Wing. Eight aircraft were intercepted and claimed destroyed during this exercise.

1 Aug 57

An IDF Zulu section from No. 4 (F) Wing scrambled "live" to investigate unknown track in the ADIZ. Track identified as friendly prior to intercept and fighters reverted to practice status. Active day and night flying program kept unit controllers busy with day fighters and Harlequin tactics with AW interceptors. The COpsO, S/L RT Paul, proceeded to RAF Station Goch as an Exercise coordinator.

2 Aug 57

Live scramble employing aircraft from No. 2 (F) Wing. Track identified as a Viscount airliner – late receipt of flight plan by 4 ATAF identification system.

3 Aug 57

Mutual scramble arranged for USAF F-100 type aircraft and RCAF F-86 MK VIs. Pilot reports indicated a good mission.

5 Aug 57

This day marked the arrival of the final CF-100 squadron (419) to complete 1 Air Division’s AWF commitment for Europe. This ferry flight was nicknamed "Nimble Bat IV" and comprised 23 CF-100 aircraft together with 2 North Star aircraft carrying personnel and spares. 419 (F) Squadron landed at their new home (Soellingen) at 1654Z. The entire overseas flight was conducted without an incident.

6 Aug 57

Operations kept at a steady pace during day and night period, with no unusual occurrences.

7 Aug 57

Two IDF Zulu aircraft diverted from a practice mission on a live scramble. The track was identified as 2 RCAF F-86 aircraft. Further investigation revealed that the pilots involved were to German Air Force pilots (Lt. Col. Wehnet and Lt. Elade) on a training mission. Violation being filed by 12 AF HQ.

8 Aug 57

Weather conditions unfavourable to the point where AW fighters brought to state in lieu of IDF aircraft. General Timberlake, the new Commander 4 ATAF, visited the unit in the company of AVM Godwin, AOC 1 Air Division. The visiting officers were escorted by the Commanding Officer, W/C Ockenden.

9 Aug 57

A good example of inter service team work displayed when No. 4 (F) Wing tower advised one of their aircraft was lost and low on fuel. Unit advised No. 4 (F) Wing to instruct pilot to place IFF on emergency and call on emergency channel for assistance. The aircraft was beyond this unit’s ARC but was detected by an adjacent CRC. It was discovered that the aircraft in question had no transmitter, but by using IFF mode selections to acknowledge, the aircraft was safely recovered at his home field.

12 Aug 57

Live scramble employing No. 3 (F) Wing aircraft to investigate. Identity – 2 USAF F-100s.

13 Aug 57

Considerable activity in ADIZ area necessitated bringing Zulu aircraft to standby status on several occasions. Only one live scramble resulted however, and identified as an RAF Canberra. Multiple handovers to RAF CRCs necessary (particularly AW aircraft) due to controller availability at this unit.

14 Aug 57

UHF test conducted utilizing a USAF aircraft. This test is a result of UHF difficulties at this unit, with the suspected fault being our present transmitter. An attempt is being made to procure a transmitter from USAF sources on a loan basis to establish a comparison between the two types of transmitters.

17 Aug 57

A Russian transport aircraft kept under careful surveillance on a flight plan from Moscow – Strasbourg – Gros Tenquin and Brussels. No tactical action taken on instruction from higher HQ.

20 Aug 57

A practice scramble arranged using one section of RCAF Zulus and one section of FAF Zulus. Aircraft were under this unit’s control. This was one of the first of a series of such scrambles to be conducted in accordance with a mutual agreement between the RCAF and FAF.

21 Aug 57

A quiet morning period – unit on weekly maintenance. Activity in the afternoon period highlighted by live scramble on an unknown track dispensing chaff. Identified as one USAF T-33.

22 Aug 57

A practice scramble conducted with one section of FAF Zulus and one section of RCAF Zulus. This is a continuation of the joint RCAF/FAF agreement outlined on the 20 Aug entry. Exercise "Bomex" tracks intercepted with IDF interceptors. This exercise came with no prior warning and 12 out of 20 aircraft were successfully intercepted.

23 Aug 57

Unit successfully recovered a member of an IDF section in emergency. Recovery was made at Wahn Field, Germany. SBZR 3 (F) Wing scrambled live against unknown track = identified as 2 USAF F-86H type aircraft. Second live scramble, this time employing interceptors from No. 1 (F) Wing against an unknown track. The aircraft identity was declared classified and not released by 12AF HQ.

26 Aug 57

Unit primary gear - Type 80 – off the air for annual overhaul. Unit operating on secondary gear – MPS-11.

27 Aug 57

Poor weather and radar serviceability were the main contributing factors to a slow day operationally.

28 Aug 57

Flight following provided to 20 aircraft enroute from No. 4 (F) Wing to Sardinia for weapons fire training, and 20 aircraft returning from Sardinia to No. 3 (F) Wing. An unfortunate incident occurred when two aircraft from No. 2 (F) Wing on a practice mission collided in mid-air. One pilot was killed and the other ejected successfully.

31 Aug 57

Fixed coil on annual overhaul, which rendered the unit totally inoperative except for radio. This state was anticipated to last until 3 Sep 57.

1 Sep 57

Limited operations – unit still on annual overhaul. All control being handed over to USAF and RAF CRCs.

2 Sep 57

Long weekend, together with annual overhaul. Very limited operational activity.

3 Sep 57

Annual overhaul completed, unit on full operational status. Active day with IDF and AW fighters under close control from 0416Z to 2200Z.

5 Sep 57

Exercise "Argus" conducted with good cross telling within 4 ATAF and 15 successful intercepts completed under this unit’s control. Live diversion utilizing No. 3 (F) Wing interceptors for an unknown track in the ADIZ. Intercept broken off as track identified friendly prior to intercept.

6 Sep 57

Live scramble on an emergency track with SBZS. Aircraft in emergency was a USAF F-86D – landed safely at Sembach field. Flight of USAF F-100 aircraft under unit control on live scramble to investigate an unknown track in ADIZ – flight reverted to practice status subsequent to track identification as friendly.

7 Sep 57

Mechanical jamming observed in position HE5050. Investigation revealed the jamming source as a USAF "Dew Drop" mission. Power failure at No. 3 (F) Wing necessitated diversion of all 3 Wing aircraft to No. 1 (F) Wing. In one instance, it became necessary to intercept and escort an aircraft to a diversionary field as a result of radio failure.

10 Sep 57

Two sections of four interceptors scrambled from No. 1 (F) Wing to intercept a flight of RAF Canberras. Good intercept results were obtained and airframe numbers obtained on all flight-planned aircraft. Active night flying program conducted without incident.

12 Sep 57

Live scramble utilizing HMZQ section from No. 2 (F) Wing after an emergency track in the Saarbruch area. Aircraft was an RAF fighter who landed safely at Bruggen.

13 Sep 57

Live diversion to investigate an unknown track in ADIZ. Track identified as two Belgium F-84s apparently lost and followed RCAF interceptors for recovery at No. 4 (F) Wing. In addition, two USAF interceptors after the same track were also recovered at Soellingen when their fuel state became so critical that recovery at their parent unit was not possible.

14 Sep 57

Extra-ordinary security precautions invoked in view of the forthcoming exercise "Counter Punch" scheduled to commence 16 Sep.

15 Sep 57

Continued efforts being made in preparation for "Counter Punch". Unit ordered to have all interceptors on no less than three hour state of readiness. The following aircraft states were in effect at 1000Z:

No. 1 (F) Wing

 

445 Squadron

13 CF-100s on 3 hours readiness

439 Squadron

19 F-86s on 3 hours readiness

441 Squadron

21 F-86s on 3 hours readiness

No. 2 (F) Wing

 

423 Squadron

13 CF-100s on 3 hours readiness

421 Squadron

4 F-86s on 10 minutes

 

4 F-86s on 60 minutes

 

13 F-86s on 3 hours readiness

430 Squadron

13 F-86s on 3 hours readiness

No. 3 (F) Wing

 

440 Squadron

11 CF-100s on 3 hours readiness

427 Squadron

4 F-86s on 5 minutes

 

4 F-86s on 60 minutes

 

13 F-86s on 3 hours readiness

434 Squadron

Not committed – absent on air-firing mission

No. 4 (F) Wing

 

419 Squadron

11 CF-100s on 3 hours readiness

444 Squadron

4 F-85s on 5 minutes

 

4 F-86s on 60 minutes

 

13 F-86s on 3 hours readiness

422 Squadron

Not committed – absent on air firing mission

16 Sep 57

All unit personnel reported to site with sufficient personal effects to live in a camp site for a period of one week. This is a result of Air Division Operations Order 16 Sep 57 (issued in conjunction with exercise "Counter Punch") to determine how well personnel could adjust to living and operating under similar conditions during an emergency. Unit primary radar broke down necessitating dispatch of a T-33 flight to England for spare parts. Simulated pre-alert stage III received which necessitated maximum continuous manning of all operational and Ground Defence positions from 1600 hours onward. This objective was met and unit considered a "simulated war" condition. All personnel were scheduled to 16 hours duty per day divided by 12 hours operational and 4 hours Ground Defence.

17 Sep 57

Further measures to secure site against possible attack being taken. These measures included the following: special passes to essential personnel only, fence and guard reinforcements, together with searchlights. Unit subjected to tear gas attack in the operations building. This was discovered to be carried out by the Unit Ground Defence personnel to ensure all concerned were impressed with the need to have anti-gas equipment immediately available at all times.

19 Sep 57

At 0200Z message received to execute exercise "Counter Punch" with simultaneous progression to the state of a simulated general alert. This exercise was designed to test, practice and evaluate the current plans, policies, and procedures for the employment of nuclear weapons in the defence of the Allied Command in Europe. This unit’s operational role consisted primarily of providing flight surveillance to those RCAF aircraft employed on strike missions and close control to those aircraft allotted for air defence purposes (normally 4 per fighter wing).

20 Sep 57

Exercise "Counter Punch" continues – unit role as per 19 Sep entry.

21 Sep 57

A notable score marked by unit when 20 Van Doos were repulsed by the defending forces. This action resulted in the actual capture of the intruders and the defensive action declared successful by the Exercise Umpire. Operationally a similar day as outlined in 19 Sep 57 entry. Exercise "Counter Punch" officially terminated at 2158Z.

22 Sep 57

The requirement for personnel to remain in camp site terminated this date and all personnel not on duty allowed to proceed to their homes. Operationally a quiet day following intense flying program necessitated by exercise "Counter Punch".

24 Sep 57

Weather foul – little operational activity.

25 Sep 57

A USAF helicopter landed on the site for a liaison visit. The rescue personnel spent the day giving briefings on search and rescue procedures. Their demonstrations were rather vividly represented when an actual emergency occurred at the termination of a lecture, at which time the helicopter was scrambled to provide assistance.

26 Sep 57

Live scramble to investigate an emergency utilizing interceptors from No. 4 (F) Wing. Aircraft in distress was an FAF F-84 – landed safely at Bremgarten airfield. A CF-100 under unit control accidentally released his rocket pods. Air Force Police working in conjunction with French Civil Police located the pods between Remscourd and Epanse, France. No apparent damage resulted to civil property.

3 Oct 57

At 1201Z this date an emergency call was heard over the radio and a Squawk 4 was observed on the scope. Contact was made with two USAF aircraft which were very low on fuel. Yellowjack took control and steered the aircraft into Gros Tenquin where they landed safely with 5 minutes fuel remaining. A telephone call was later received from Captain Donovan thanking the unit for a good show.

4 Oct 57

Odd situation at 0300Z. Duty Radar Tech unable to get Type 80 antenna to rotate. Tech. Rep. Mr. Alex Garin attended and located the trouble which proved to be a sticking micro-relay in the starting system. Exercise "Argus" this date. Communications jamming introduced by ECM team located at No. 3 (F) Wing. 15 successful intercepts conducted.

5 Oct 57

20 USAF F-100s en route from North Africa to Landstuhl given surveillance. Normal operations.

6 Oct 57

Weather exceptionally bad – Zulu "Hot" or "Live" only. Nil night flying.

7 Oct 57

Live scramble on track in ADIZ. Identification was classified mission. Catfish Kilo Lead had a flameout and declared an emergency. Re-lit and landed safely at Marville. Jacket 20 in emergency low on fuel – landed safely at Soellingen. Heavy night flying programme. 7 sections of CF-100s, 12 Sabres, 2 ATAF unable to accept handovers.

8 Oct 57

Radar on weekly maintenance. Aircraft controlled by 2 ATAF and American units. Very heavy night flying programme. A controller employed as FM this date due to large number of aircraft in night flying.

9 Oct 57

Jamming Condition 1 observed on scope this date caused by USAF aircraft on ECM exercise. Anti-jamming measures were taken by RadO which were very effective against the jamming, but considerable amount of normal signal was lost as a result. YJ sonic boomed at 1319Z. S/L Wilson observed 8 USAF F-100s overflying Metz area at high mach.

10 Oct 57

Normal operations.

11 Oct 57

All communications out for a period of 6 minutes due to power failure. Zulus on practice scramble diverted live on two tracks in ADIZ identified as 2 USAF F-100s by HMZP.

15 Oct 57

Very poor weather both day and night – all night flying cancelled.

16 Oct 57

Another quiet day due to unsuitable weather.

17 Oct 57

Two emergencies this date. One USAF C-47 had port engine failure in vicinity of Laon – aircraft landed safely. A USAF F-100 squawked 4 near Hahn and landed safely there. YJ not involved. Normal operations with heavy night flying programme.

20 Oct 57

Two emergency squawks observed on PPI both under MCAC control. Both aircraft landed safely at Phalsbourg.

21 Oct 57

Type 80 unserviceable due to arcing in wave guide – Tech Rep attended. Unit on status 3 – MPS-11 performance too low for safe operation. Attempts to arrange handover to 2 ATAF unsuccessful due to unserviceabilities at Uedem, who were hoping to hand over aircraft to us. Logroll tried to take on a handover but, as usual, radio troubles prevented this.

22 Oct 57

Two RCAF CF-100s. RBB Lead and CHB Lead, were intercepted by USAF after ADIZ penetrations. CHB Lead almost penetrated the Curtain. Violation files by 12 AF HQ.

23 Oct 57

On weekly maintenance this day – only VHF contact with aircraft before noon. Sandal 27 declared emergency due to lack of instruments. Handcuff Bravo 2 was vectored onto Sandal 27 by unit and guided home for a beacon letdown at No. 2 (F) Wing. Sandal 27 landed safely. Normal night flying programme carried out.

24 Oct 57

MCAC requested unit to give surveillance to Sailor Blue on a mercy flight from Bitburg to Laon. A track was observed squawking inside the Iron Curtain. Passport said the aircraft was under control and they were endeavoring to get it out again. Unit vectored RBA and CHA on to the squawk 4 in JE5505. Aircraft was a USAF B-57 with no transmitter. CHA 3 escorted the B-57 to Laon where he landed safely. During night flying RBA was diverted onto a squawk 4 in the JE area. The emergency was CSB Lead who had oxygen trouble which was apparently rectified.

25 Oct 57

MCAC informed us that there would be a strike of ATAC services in France from 1100Z to 2300Z today. CRM checked in on channel 7 for Scan Plan without our knowing they were going to be airborne. In addition the aircraft were flying the wrong route. This was a wasted effort and we were unable to use them. No pre-flight checks have been made.

26 Oct 57

All Canadian and USAF bases completely obscured by fog during early part of day. Unit monitor picked up transmission on 243.0 from Level Head Tango (2 F-100s). No. 2 man had dropping oil pressure. Unit picked them up and took them to base at Etain.

30 Oct 57

Operational activity limited to handovers to adjacent CRCs in AM period as a result of weekly fixed coil maintenance. Activity back to normal in afternoon with MPS-11 equipment. Active night flying programme.

31 Oct 57

Aircraft in emergency detected and a flight of four Sabres diverted to assist. The aircraft in emergency was a USAF B-57 with compass trouble who had corrected the fault and declared emergency over. Two F-86 Zulu sections scrambled against two tracks in the ADIZ. The Zulus were reverted to a practice status when friendly identity on the tracks in question were obtained. Active night flying programme.

1 Nov 57

Live scramble with Sabre Zulus from No. 3 (F) Wing to assist in emergency. Aircraft intercepted and identified as a USAF T-33 in no apparent difficulty. Later discovered that the aircraft had a faulty IFF set and inadvertently displayed an emergency return.

3 Nov 57

Sabre Zulu section from No. 1 (F) Wing diverted on live status to assist aircraft in emergency. Aircraft intercepted, identified as a USAF T-33 with no radio and escorted to Bitburg. Aircraft recovered safely.

6 Nov 57

Equipment weekly maintenance and unserviceabilities hampered unit effectiveness and necessitated multiple handovers to adjacent CRCs throughout the day. Unit serviceability back to normal to handle a very active night flying programme.

7 Nov 57

Unit participated in a simulated air defence exercise with other 4 ATAF CRCs to practice cross telling procedures. 14 RAF bombers intercepted during exercise "Bomex" held during hours of darkness. Total success was not achieved inasmuch as portions of the overflights were out of unit’s radar range.

8 Nov 57

A very active day operationally with two exercises being conducted simultaneously. Exercise "Argus" primarily designed to test processing of air surveillance data within the 4 ATAF track production area, together with communications. All raiding forces were successfully intercepted under this unit’s control and is presumed that the flow of air surveillance data was effective throughout the 4 ATAF track production area. The second exercise was nicknamed "Synthex Guest" and was similar in design and intent to exercise "Counter Punch" described in detail in the Sep 19-26 entries, except on a smaller scale and limited to the forces of 1 Air Division only.

10 Nov 57

A report was received of an unidentified object being sighted in the Munich area. The object was allegedly cylindrical in shape, flying very high with a red glow in the tail. The objects course was due west. No radar contact was made and no further information available on this rather vague report.

11 Nov 57

Weather and Remembrance Day ceremonies resulted in a quiet day operationally.

12 Nov 57

Unit assisted in recovery of two aircraft in emergency. Otherwise, normal operations.

13 Nov 57

A poor day from the equipment standpoint. Weekly maintenance and Type 80 radar unserviceability necessitated operation on backup equipment.

14 Nov 57

Active day operationally with no unusual occurrences.

15 Nov 57

A report to the effect that the unit was to be destroyed by subversive elements received. All precautions taken to safeguard unit proper, power plants, receiver and transmitter sites. This report was assumed to be a false alarm as no unusual activity took place.

16 Nov 57

Three French nationals were apprehended in the power plant area. Later identified as two soldiers from the French Army and a civilian. Interrogation failed to reveal any connection with 15 Nov entry.

21 Nov 57

12 AF HQ reports considerable aerial activity behind Iron Curtain and all Zulu aircraft to work in vicinity of ADIZ. Unit detected aircraft in emergency and diverted a section of Sabres to intercept. Emergency was an RCAF F-86 with no radio. Aircraft escorted to Marville and safely recovered.

22 Nov 57

Live scramble on track in the ADIZ – identified as 2 USAF F-100s, apparently off course.

28 Nov 57

16 F-86 and 12 CF-100 aircraft allotted for this unit’s control for the interception of RAF bombers overflying the area in an exercise nicknamed "King Pin". This exercise provided some very realistic experiences in that the bomber stream varied in height and was fanned out over an area of seventy miles at its widest point. In addition considerable electronic jamming was experienced. Notwithstanding the above, an estimated 85 percent of the raiders were successfully intercepted.

30 Nov 57

Unit closed down operations for "Exercise Clean Up". This task consisted of a complete cleaning of the operations room from ceiling down, including the vacuuming of the area beneath the floor.